house of correction

American  

noun

1. a place for the confinement and reform of persons convicted of minor offenses and not regarded as confirmed criminals.

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house of correction British  

noun

1. (formerly) a place of confinement for persons convicted of minor offences

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Etymology

Origin of house of correction

First recorded in 1625–35

Example Sentences

Of the 1,000 inmates in the house of correction, he said as the debate opened, 42 percent have some form of mental illness and 70 percent have an alcohol or drug problem.

From New York Times

If convicted, the men face a $1,000 fine and/or two years in a house of correction.

From Washington Times

Both boys were sent to a house of correction with the approval of their parents.

From Literature

The judge sentenced Washburn to 2½ years in a house of correction, with one year already served.

From Washington Times

Rembrandt retaliated by accusing her of pawning some of Saskia's jewellery, and later got her sent to a house of correction.

From The Guardian